Lasting machine



pfll 2l, 1936. E. c. LIVINGSTON LAS'IING MACHINE Filed OCJC. 3, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I l I I IIIIANIIIHIIIIUHIVUIII IJ .M ..6 WW

/ ATTORNEYS.

plri Z, 3936.,

E. c. LIVINGSTON LASTING MACHINE Filed Oct. `5, 1933 2 Sheecs-SheerI 2 Ulli L 5# INVENTOR.

Elmer E, Livi'r-LETm-L wf/M ATTOR N EYS.

Patented Apr. 21, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 12 Claims.

The present invention relates tomachines for use in the manufacture of shoes and more specifically to a lasting machine particularly designed for assembling the sole and upper of Puritan or Prewelt shoes, altho not limited to the manufacture of such type of shoes.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a lasting machine for use in the manufacture of those types of shoes having an outwardly projecting sole attaching portion or welt about the lower edge of the upper, wherein the use of tacks as now employed in the present method of hand lasting such types of shoes in assembling the upper upon the last is eliminated, thereby resulting in a material saving in the cost of last replacements.

A further object of the invention is to pro- Vide a machine of this character which will reduce the number of operations necessary in the manufacture of prewelt shoes as by the present hand method, thereby materially reducing the cost of manufacture.

A further object is to provide a lasting machine of this character embodying means for firmly stretching the shoe upper about the last in a manner whereby the out-turned sole attaching portion or welt of the upper may be united by cement to the outer sole for the stitching operation.

A further obj-ect resides in the specic arrangement whereby the means for drawing and shaping the upper about the last, provides a support upon which the welt rests in a manner to be properly cemented to the edge of the outsole.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a lasting machine of this character which may be used for various sizes of shoes within certain limits, due toits construction and manner of operation, without requiring substitution of different size parts until required for operating upon shoes of a size beyond a given limit for which the machine has been conditioned.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification and in which drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the lasting machine and showing the partsin a position holding a last and the upper in position for cementing the outsole to the upper.

Figure 2 is a view part in front elevation and part in Vertical longitudinal section with the parts in a position as in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a Vertical section substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is -a fragmentary end View of the machine showing parts removed to illustrate the `mounting for the pivoted and sliding clamping members.

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary section showing the manner of lasting the upper and assembling the sole therewith.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary section on the line 6 6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is an enlarged detail sectional View showing the mounting of the clamping members and the arrangement for normally spreading the clamping members apart.

Figure 8 is an enlarged bottom plan view of the complementary clamping members.

In the drawings and wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts thruout the several views, 'the machine comprises a supporting frame A embodying end standards 5 and 6 connected by horizontal front and rear braces 'I and 8 respectively. Supported horizontally upon the upper ends of the standards 5 and 6 is a substantially flat table top 9 of rectangular shape in plan and preferably provided with an upstanding marginal ange.

Mounted at the central portion of the table top 9 is a movable jack structure B for removably supporting a last C in an inverted position above the table 9. The numeral I designates an upper placed on the last C and about the lower edge of which has been sewed in the usual manner a welting or Welt strip I I which projects outwardly from the lower edge of the upper to provide a sole attaching welt portion to which the outsole designated at I2 is to be sewed.

operatively associated with the jack B is a forming device D for drawing or pulling the upper Il) firmly over the last C and with which a clamping device E. co-acts whereby additional pressure may be brought upon the shank of the shoe. The letter F designates operating means for the forming device D, while G designates an operating means for the clamping device E. H designates releasing means for simultaneously releasing the operating means F and G.

Referring rst to the specific construction .of the jack B, the same embodies a last pin or standard I4 which is extended vertically thru an opening I inthe table top 9 and which opening is elongated longitudinally of the top to permit limited shifting of the jack longitudinally of the top. Guided for horizontal movement in a slide I6 at the underside of the top 9 is a slide block I1 provided with a vertical bore I8 in which the last pin I4 is vertically movable. The lower end of the last pin I4 projects below the block I1 and is provided at its lower end with a collar I9 for attaching one end of a contractile coil spring 20 having its upper end suitably secured to the block I1. Thus the spring 20 acts to normally raise the last pin and the upward limit of movement of the pin may be obtained thru engagement of the collar I9 with a depending sleeve portion on the block I1. Acting between one end of the slide block I1 and a suitable projection on the table top 9 is an expansion coil spring 2I shown more clearly in Figure 5 which acts to normally urge the last pin in a direction longitudinally of the table top. The function of this spring 2l will be subsequently described. The last pin I4 is provided above the slide block I1 with a threaded portion 22 upon which is threaded a nut 23 for adjusting the position of the bearing washer 24 adapted to engage the upper surface of the table top 9 to limit downward movement of the last pin and properly adjust the height of the last C with respect to the table top, The last C is provided at its heel portion with the usual socket 25 for receiving the shouldered upper end of the last pin I4.

Supported upon the last pin I4 above the top 9 to extend radially of the pin is an arm 26 provided at its outer end with a depending pin 21 which projects downwardly thru an elongated opening 28 in the top 9. This arm 26 is longitudinally slotted as at 29 for slidably supporting a toe rest 39 whereby the toe rest may be moved toward and from the last pin I4 so as to properly engage the toe portion of lasts of different sizes. The rest 30 acts to support the forward or toe part of the last and is provided at its upper end with a cushion 3I to prevent marring of the uplper I9. Thus the guide pin 21 thru engagement in the elongated slot 28 serves to retain the rest 39 in proper relation to the coil spring I4 and permits limited vertical movement of the last pin when placing and removing the last from the jack.

Adjustable upon the table top 9 at the opposite Side of the last pin I4 from which the arm 26 projects is a heel rest 32 having a horizontal portion slidably bearing upon the top 9 and provided with a tongue 33 shown in Figures l and 2 which projects into the slot 34 in the table top. This slot 34 extends transversely of the table top to permit sliding adjustment of the heel rest or abutmsent 32 transversely of the top. The rest 32 is held in adjusted position by means of a bolt 35 upon which is threaded a hand wheel 36 serving to clamp the rest to the table top. The heel confronting side of the rest 32 may be slightly concaved adjacent its upper side and provided with a suitable cushion 31 to prevent marring of the heel portion of the upper I9. Secured to the upper end of the heel rest or abutment 32 as by a suitable bolt 38 is a heel clamping plate 40 having a concaved heel engaging edge portion 4I beveled at its under Side as shown more clearly in Figure 5. This beveled edge portion 4I projects beyondthe heel confronting side of the rest 32 for engaging in the V crevice formed by the stitching of the welt II to the upper I0.

It may here be well to note that the expansion spring 2l acts to normally urge the last pin in a direction away from the heel rest or abutment 32.

The forming device or means D for drawing or pulling the toe and side portions of the upper I over the last C and supporting the major portion of the welt II in position to receive the outsole I2, embodies a slide block or carrier 42 reciprocally guided in a slide 43 at the upper side of the table top 9 to have movement in a direction toward and from the jack B longitudinally of the table top. Provided at the inner end of the carrier 42 is an upwardly offset bearing portion 44 which extends toward the jack B and upon the upper side of which is pivotally mounted as upon pivot bolts 45, a pair of complementary forming members or plates 45 and 41 of substantially L-shape as shown in Figure 8. These forming plates 46 and 41 are pivoted at their elbow portions and provide short plate portions 48 which are directed toward one another; to form toe engaging plate portions, and long plate portions 49 which extend in substantially parallel spaced apart relation toward the heel abutment 32 to provide side and shank engaging plate portions for the shoe upper. The inner working edges of these forming plates 46 and 41 conform to the general outline of the sole of the shoe and are beveled at their underside as shown in Figures and 6 to present smooth upper surfaces upon which the welt II may rest when the plates are closed for drawing the upper over the last. It will also be noted that the side plate portions 49 are arched upwardly along their length to conform to the sole of the shoe and are of such length as to have their free ends engage the shank vof the shoe.

Pivoted at the under side of the bearing portion 44 in axial alignment with the pivot bolts 45 is a pair of spreading levers 50 which serve to normally spread the forming plates apart. These levers 59 are pivoted intermediate their ends upon the pivot bolts 5| and have their ends adjacent the jack B upturned and engaging between spaced apart lugs 52 formed on the under sides of the forming plates 46 and 41. The opposite ends of these levers 50 are connected by a coil spring 53 which acts to normally urge the upturned ends of the levers apart and thru the lugs 52, spread the forming plates 46 and 41.

Projecting downwardly from the under side of the slidable carrier 42 and extending thru a slot 54 in the table top 9, is a lug 55 provided adjacent its lower end with an opening 56 extending thru the lug in the direction of sliding movement of the carrier. This lug 55 co-acts with the means F for imparting movement to the forming means D.

Referring now to the clamping device or means E, the same embodies a pair of bell crank clamping levers 51 pivoted at their elbow upon pivots 58 arranged below the table top 9. The upstanding arm portions of these levers 51 extend thru suitable openings in the top 9 and at their upper extremities are inwardly offset and formed with ball ends 59 adapted to engage elongated flat bearing plates 60 provided at the free ends of the forming plate portions 49 and extending longitudinally thereof. The lower shorter arms of the levers 51 have their ends extending in overlying relation .and these arms are each longitudinally slotted as at 6I to receive a coupling pin 62 acting to open and close the ball ends'59. The closing of these clamping levers 51 serves to bring additional pressure on the shank of the shoe thru engagement with the bearing plates E9 of the forming plates or fingers 46 and 41.

The operating means F for imparting movement to the forming device D is preferably foot operated and embodies a bell crank lever 63 pivoted at its elbow as at 64 upon the end of a bar 65 adjustably mounted in a bearing 66 upon the standard 5. Pivotally connected at one end to the upper end of the short arm of the bell crank lever 63 is a bolt 61 having its opposite end slidably extending thru the opening 56 in the lug 55. Threaded upon the end of the bolt 61 are suitable lock nuts 68 which engage the lug 55 to retract the carrier 42 when the means F is released. Encircling the bolt 61 with one end acting upon the lug 55 and its opposite end acting upon the coupling head 61 of the bolt is a coil spring 69 for applying a yieldable pressure upon the forming means D. Pivotally connected to the free end of the longer arm of the bell crank lever 63 is a link 10, the lower end of which is pivotally connected to a foot lever or treadle 1| pivoted as at 12 upon a pivot pin supported from the rear frame brace 8. By depressing the foot lever or treadle 1|, the bell crank lever 63 acts to compress the spring 69 and shifts the forming means D toward the jack B. A return spring 13 acting upon the link 10 serves to return the means D and F to their normal positions.

Secured at its upper end to the front brace 1 and suitably supported at its lower end by the brace rod 14 is a vertically extending ratchet plate 14 provided adjacent its lower end and at each side edge with ratchet teeth 15 and 15'. The treadle 1| is provided with a suitable tooth to engage the teeth 15 whereby the treadle may be held depressed. Shifting the treadle 1| slightly laterally releases the treadle from the teeth 15.

The means G for operating the clamping means or device E embodies a link 16 having a yoke at its upper end connected to the pin 62 serving to open and close the levers 51. The lower end of the link 16 is pivotally connected to a foot lever or treadle 11 pivoted at its rear end upon the pivot pin 12. Thev forward end of the treadle 11 is providedwith a suitable tooth adapted to engage the ratchet teeth 15 for holding the treadle depressed. A return spring 18 connected to the link 16 serves to return the means E and G to their normal positions. By observing Figure 3 it will be seen that when the treadle 11 is pressed downwardly and exerts a downward pull on the link 16, the pin and slot coupling between the link and clamping levers 51 will act to close the upper ends of the levers upon the forming plates 46 and 41.

While the treadles 1| and 11 may be independently released when desired, the means H provides for simultaneous release of both of the treadles. This releasing means H embodies a foot block vertically guided in the ratchet plate 14 and provided at the face of the ratchet plate with a releasing plate 8| of such width as to have its side edges engage suitable portions of the treadles 1| and 11 and release the treadles from engagement with their respective ratchet teeth when the foot block is slid downwardly. A return spring 82 shown in Figure 3 serves to normally retain the foot block in a raised position.

In use of the machine, the welt strip is rst sewed to the upper and the upper then placed on the last C and tacked by two tacks, one at the heel and one at the toe as shown at a and b in Figure 5. With both treadles 1| and 11 released and in their upper positions, the clamping levers 51 will be spaced apart and also the forming plates 46 and 41, spreading of the forming plates being limited thru engagement of the bearing plates 60 with the ball ends 59 of the levers 51. Spreading of the forming plates 46 and 41 need only be sulicient so that the spacing between the free ends of the plate portions 49 is slightly greater than the Width of the sole portion of the last. The forming device is also in its rearward position in the slide 43. The jack B is in a position urged away from the heel abutment 32 by the expansion spring 2| and elevated by the contractile spring 26 acting to lift the last pin I4. With the jack B properly adjusted by the means 22 `and 23 so as to bring the shoe into proper relation to the heel plate 46 and the forming plates 46 and 41 when the stop washer 24 engages upon the table top 9, the last C is placed upon the last pin |4 with its toe portion engaging upon the toe rest 39. The operator then by hand first presses downwardly on the last until the washer 24 engages the table top and then shifts the last and jack toward the heel abutment 32 so that the beveled heel engaging portion 4| of the heel plate 40 engages in the V pocket about the heel of the shoe. This manner of placing the last in proper position prevents marring of the heel portion of the upper and also positions the edge 4| of the plate 4|] in a supporting position beneath the welt With the last held in this position, the operaf tor then presses upon the treadle 1| which, thru the link 16 and bell crank lever 63 tends to compress the spring 69 which in turn acts against the lug 55 and yieldably forces the forming device D toward the heel abutment 32. This moves the forming plates 46 and 41 in a spread position toward the last until the toe engaging plate portions 48 engage in the V pocket about the toe of the shoe and forces the last against the heel f abutment 32 as in Figure 5. Engagement of the plate portions 43 with the toe of the shoe will cause the side plate portions 49 to be swung inwardly toward one another into the V pockets or grooves al'ong opposite sides of the shoe and pull the upper over the last. Pressure is then brought upon the treadle 11, which thru the pin and slot connection between the link 16 and clamping levers 51 closes the levers 51 upon the plate portions 49 and applies an additional pressure upon the shank of the shoe sufficient to firmly stretch the upper about the last at all points. The treadles 1| and 11 are hel'd in their lowered positions by the ratchet teeth 15 and 15 respectively.

With the last thus held in the machine with the upper properly stretched thereover it will be seen that the forming plates 46 and 41 and the heel plate 46 form a ledge or support on which the welt rests for substantially thruout the im entire length of the welt.

The outsole |2 is now placed on the bottom of the last and the bond between the sole and welt is made possible by the use of a quick drying cement such as indicated at 90. The insole as designated at 9| may also be applied during this operation of providing a preliminary bond between the outsole and welt. Owing to the fact that the welt is supported thruout substantially its entire length about the shoe, the cementing of the outsole to the welt may be so strongly formed as to prevent separation after the last is removed from the machine. When the cement `is dried the shoe is removed from the machine and is now ready for the stitching operation thru the welt and outsole which forms a permanent bond.

In removing the shoe and last from the machine, the operator iirst places his hand upon the sole of the shoe and presses the shoe downwardly and toward the heel abutment v32. 'The operator then presses downwardly on the foot block whereby the releasing plate BI .simultaneously releases both of the treadles 1i and 11 allowing return of the devices D and E to 'their ,released `positions by the springs 13 and 18. The last is now released and the operator first slides lthe last in a direction away from the .heel abutment so as to free the heel engaging portion 4I of the heel plate 40 and allows the last to be raised by the spring 20. This manner of holding the last by hand prevents marring of the heel portion of the shoe.

In a further manner of releasing the last, the operator iirst releases the treadle 1I which allows for the forming device D to be returned by the spring 13. This return movement of the device D causes the forming plates 46 and 41, which yare still held closed by the clamping 'levers 51, to pull the last C away from the heel plate 40. The last is then merely held down against the action of the spring 20 and the treadle 11 released causing opening of the clamping levers 51 a-nd spreading of the forming plates 46 and 41.

The diierent sizes of shoes maybe taken care of by adjustment of the jack B and by use of different size forming plates 46 and 41, the changing of the forming plates being made possible by the adjustable bar 65. The heel rest or abutment 32 is also adjustable for use upon either right or left shoes, as well as providing for changing of the heel plate 40 to accommodate different heel shapes.

Changes in details may be made to the form of invention herein shown and described, without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

l. In a prewelt lasting machine, a jack, a heel abutment at one side of the jack, forming means movable toward and from the jack in alignment with the jack and heel abutment and embodying a pair of pivotally mounted forming plates automatically closed for pulling a shoe upper over a last supported in said jack thru engagement of the plates with the upper and when the forming means moves toward the jack, and clamping means for contracting the forming plates 'at the shank of the upper.

2. In a prewelt lasting machine, a frame, a jack supported for free guided movement on the frame, a heell abutment on the frame at the heel end of the jack and embodying an overhanging heel plate, a carrier slidable on the frame at the toe end of the jack, means for moving the carrier towards the jack, a pair of L-shaped forming plates pivotally mounted -on the carrier for engaging in the crease between the upper and welt of a shoe and closed by such engagement for pulling the upper over a last supported on the jack, said heel plate and forming plates providing a support for the welt, and mean for Isimultaneously contracting the forming vplates at the shank of the shoe.

3. In a prewelt lasting machine, a frame, a jack mounted to have free vertical and horizontal movement on the frame, a normally fixed heel abutment on the frame having `a, heel 'plate for engaging beneath the welt at the heel vof a shoe upper, a pair offorming plates movable `on 'the frame in the plane of the welt into engagement beneath the welt at the toe and sides of the shoe upper for pulling the upper over the last, said forming plates being closed thru contact with the toe of the shoe upper and shifting the last and upper towards the heel abutment, and means for applying pressure to the free ends of the forming plates to contract the plates at the shank of the shoe.

4. In a prewelt lasting machine, the combination of a frame including a top, a heel rest mounted on the top., a jack freely movable toward and from the .heel rest and normally spring urged away .from the heel rest, a carrier slidable on the top toward and from the jack, a pair of forming plates pivotally carried by the carrier to automatically close about the forward portion of a shoe for pulling the shoe upper over a last supported on the jack and shifting the jack towards the heel rest, said plates and heel rest providing a support `for the welt of the upper, means for moving the carrier toward the jack, and clamping means for closing the forming plates with a pressure upon the sides of the last.

5. In .a prewelt lasting machine, a frame including atop, a heel rest and welt support mounted on the top, a jack movable toward and from the rest, a slidable carrier, a complementary pair of forming plates pivotally supported on the carrier for closing about the forepart of a shoe upper and providing .a welt support at the toe and along the sides of the upper, means normally spreading the forming plates apart, means for moving the carrier whereby the forming plates will be -automatically closed thru contact with the shoe upper, and clamping means for contracting the forming plates at the shank of the shoe.

6. In a prewelt lasting machine, the combinat'ion vof a frame including a top, a combined heel abutment and welt support mounted on the top,

a movable jack embodying a last pin, means yieldably urging the jack in a direction away from said abutment, means yieldably urging the last pin upwardly, a toe rest carried by the last pin, forming means slidably guided on said top and embodying pivoted forming plates for engaging beneath the welt of a shoe upper about the toe and sides thereof to pull the upper over a last supported o-n the jack, operating means for the forming means, and means for applying a clamping pressure to the forming plates when closed about the shoe upper.

'7. In a prewelt lasting machine, a frame including a top, a jack carried by the top embodying a horizontally guided slide block, a last pin vertically .guided in the block, spring means normally elevating the last pin, adjustable stop means for limiting downward movement of the last pin, an arm carried by and extending radially from the last pin, a toe rest adjustable on said arm, a normally fixed heel rest supported on the top adjacent the jack and having a welt supporting plate, spring means normally urging the jack away from the rest, and forming means for drawing a shoe upper over a last supported on the jack and providing a support for the welt about the toe and sides of the upper.v

8. In a prewelt lasting machine, a jack including a vertically and laterally movable last pin, a heel abutment including a welt supporting plate and adjustable transversely to the direction of lateral movement of the last pin, a carrier slidable in the direction of lateral movement of the last pin, operating means for the carrier, forming plates pivotally supported on the carrier and movable thereby towards the heel abutment to close about the fore portion of a shoe upper beneath the welt thereof, and clamping means for drawing the plates together at the shank of the shoe for pulling the upper over the last.

9. In a prewelt lasting machine, a jack, a combined heel and welt'rest, forming means including a carrier slidable toward and from the rest, a pair of forming plates pivoted on the carrier and movable thereby for pulling a welted shoe upper over a last supported on the jack, a treadle, yieldable and adjustable actuating means between the treadle and said carrier, means for returning the treadle and carrier, clamping means for contracting the forming plates at the shank of the shoe, and operating means for the clamping means.

10. In a prewelt lasting machine, a jack, forming means for pulling a shoe upper over a last supported upon the jack and providing a rest for the welt of the upper, operating means for the forming means embodying a treadle and keeper means for the treadle when depressed, clamping means for the forming means, operating means for they clamping means embodying a treadle and keeper means for the treadle when depressed, and means for simultaneously releasing both of the treadles from their keeper means.

11. In a prewelt lasting machine, a jack for supporting a last in an inverted position with a shoe upper thereon having a welt, a heel rest having a plate at its upper end providing a support for the welt at the heel of the upper, a pair of forming plates of substantially L formation pivoted at the elbow and having their inner edges conforming to the lower edge o-f the forward portion of the upper, means for moving the plates towards the heel rest into engagement with the upper beneath the welt whereby the upper is pulled over the last, and a pair of clamping levers engageable with the forming plates at opposite sides of the last for contracting the plates at the shank of the shoe.

12. In a prewelt lasting machine, a jack embodying a last pin having free vertical and lateral guided movement, a fixed heel abutment having a welt supporting portion, and forming means including a pair of pivoted complementary L- shaped forming plates providing welt supporting portions about their inner edges adapted to engage between the welt and upper of a shoe upon closing of the plates and form a support for the welt about the toe and side portions of the shoe upper.

ELMER C. LIVINGSTON. 

